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Otter Bay #3
Fade to Blue
How do you restore a soul? One brush stroke at a time ...
Suz Mitchell is a determined dreamer, and won't allow her ex-husband's jail sentence to ruin their young son Jeremiah's life. An accomplished artist, Suz moves with her child across the country to California's central coast, and lands a job restoring priceless art for the historic Hearst Castle overlooking the sea.
But even dreams have shocking twists. To her surprise, a serious old flame, Seth, works at the castle and jumbles the new aspirations in Suz's heart. While sorting through their past and a palette of spiritual differences, an even bigger brush with yesterday awaits.
Suz must learn to let God be the true restorer of all that once seemed lost.
Suz Mitchell is a determined dreamer, and won't allow her ex-husband's jail sentence to ruin their young son Jeremiah's life. An accomplished artist, Suz moves with her child across the country to California's central coast, and lands a job restoring priceless art for the historic Hearst Castle overlooking the sea.
But even dreams have shocking twists. To her surprise, a serious old flame, Seth, works at the castle and jumbles the new aspirations in Suz's heart. While sorting through their past and a palette of spiritual differences, an even bigger brush with yesterday awaits.
Suz must learn to let God be the true restorer of all that once seemed lost.
400 pages, Paperback
First published April 21, 2011
97 people are currently reading
478 people want to read
About the author
Julie Carobini
40 books253 followersJULIE CAROBINI is an award-winning author of inspirational beach romances and cozy mysteries. She has received awards from The National League of American Pen Women and American Christian Fiction Writers; and several of her novels have reached Amazon bestseller status.
Julie is known for spunky heroines, charming heroes, quirky friends, and the secrets they keep. She lives on the California coast with her husband, Dan--not far from their grown-up kids.
Grab a free story for your e-reader at www.juliecarobini.com/free-book/
Learn more:
Facebook: https://bit.ly/3vMcjEF
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/juliecarobi...
Julie is known for spunky heroines, charming heroes, quirky friends, and the secrets they keep. She lives on the California coast with her husband, Dan--not far from their grown-up kids.
Grab a free story for your e-reader at www.juliecarobini.com/free-book/
Learn more:
Facebook: https://bit.ly/3vMcjEF
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/juliecarobi...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
June 4, 2024
This was my first Julie Carobini novel, and I was quickly caught up in the story. Nothing is heavy handed here--not the good guys, the bad guys, the romance, or the elements of faith. Even the thread of danger was something many of us women have experienced in some fashion or another. So Suz's experiences felt believable and relatable. Her decisions, both wise and ill-advised, were familiar to this reader. I would recommend this book to teens and up.
December 18, 2018
DNF. I stopped reading and then skipped about 140 pages to get to what I wanted to read in the first place, which didn't happen until the last chapter. I feel this book was too slow. I enjoyed the setting but there was too much focus on art restoration, etc. There needed to be more drama or more high stakes moments for this book to have kept my attention. I started feeling like I should DNF around page 145 but I soldiered on until I just decided to skip a bunch of chapters.
June 26, 2013
If you like gushing, predictable plot books that make you roll your eyes back into your head, this is the book for you.
June 19, 2016
Way too long
January 3, 2024
Final book in the Otter Bay series. This second chance romance, filled with a wonderful faith thread,
focuses on Gage's sister, Suz. Having married someone who turned out to not be the person she thought he was, and then he divorced her leaving her with a small child. She feels overwhelmed by what has happened and moves to California to live with her brother and start anew. She never knew that this move would reconnect her with Seth her high school sweetheart. But could Seth forget his past along with Suz and give the a second chance at love.
Wonderful conclusion to the Otter Bay series. Carobini wove an amazing faith thread throughout this book that made the reader realize that God always is there to give us second chances.
focuses on Gage's sister, Suz. Having married someone who turned out to not be the person she thought he was, and then he divorced her leaving her with a small child. She feels overwhelmed by what has happened and moves to California to live with her brother and start anew. She never knew that this move would reconnect her with Seth her high school sweetheart. But could Seth forget his past along with Suz and give the a second chance at love.
Wonderful conclusion to the Otter Bay series. Carobini wove an amazing faith thread throughout this book that made the reader realize that God always is there to give us second chances.
December 2, 2021
Hearst Castle by the sea
I love all of the history and all of the artists and restorations, but most of all I enjoyed God’s faithfulness as the artist finds her way and cares for her son. Join the Otter Bay crew for another adventure.
I love all of the history and all of the artists and restorations, but most of all I enjoyed God’s faithfulness as the artist finds her way and cares for her son. Join the Otter Bay crew for another adventure.
October 18, 2017
I truly enjoyed this one
I must confess that I didn’t read books 1 & 2, but I doubt it mattered too much. Julie brings these characters to life. I enjoyed every word.
I must confess that I didn’t read books 1 & 2, but I doubt it mattered too much. Julie brings these characters to life. I enjoyed every word.
April 26, 2018
Good
this book is the second one that this writer has written about this area and the people who live there.
this book is the second one that this writer has written about this area and the people who live there.
April 12, 2011
3.5 stars. I've mentioned before that I'm not usually a fan of contemporary fiction. There are exceptions, but for the most part, when I read a novel, I tend to prefer historical fiction. Still, when I received a copy of Fade to Blue by Julie Carobini, it looked like it might be a fun read. So, one day recently I settled down with it to unwind and relax.
Fade to Blue tells the story of a young single mom, Suz Mitchell. She's recently moved herself and her son across the country to the central California coast to live with her brother while she gets back on her feet from her recent divorce. Suz, an artist, lands a job restoring priceless historic paintings and artifacts at the Hearst Castle, overlooking the ocean. To her surprise, she discovers that Seth, an old flame, has also relocated to the very same small town! Every time she turns around, she seems to be bumping into him. On top of all this, her ex-husband, recently released from prison, shows up, claiming to have turned over a new leaf and found faith in God, and hoping to restore their family!
Suz struggles with confusion over what God's will for her is: should she make an effort to let her ex, Len, back into her life? Can he really be trusted now? How should she resolve her relationship with Seth...the awkwardness over their split, all that's happened to them both in the intervening years?
I loved the setting and really enjoyed the characters Ms. Carobini created. They were well-developed and very realistic and relatable. In fact, I'm curious now to read A Shore Thing, in which the story of Gage, Suz's brother, and his fiance Callie, is told, because I feel like I "know" them. That said, the book just didn't draw me in like I'd hoped it would. The writing wasn't compelling, and the story itself didn't captivate me, despite how much I appreciated the premise, setting, and characters. The plot was just a bit thin in my opinion.
So, in the end, I'll say that I wouldn't call this an outstanding, captivating read, but it was still a pleasant and entertaining one. If you're looking for a moving, compelling, meaningful story, this may not be it. But, if you're looking for a pleasant diversion or relaxing read, you'll enjoy the beach town setting and likable characters in Fade to Blue. In fact, I just might try to get my hands on a couple of the other Otter Bay titles. They'll make a good light summer read for the pool or beach and I'd enjoy catching up on the stories of some of the rest of the residents of Otter Bay.
Thanks so much to Julie Gwinn at B&H Publishing for the preview copy of this book! All opinions expressed are my own.
Read more: http://homewithpurpose.blogspot.com/2011...
Under Creative Commons License: Attribution
Fade to Blue tells the story of a young single mom, Suz Mitchell. She's recently moved herself and her son across the country to the central California coast to live with her brother while she gets back on her feet from her recent divorce. Suz, an artist, lands a job restoring priceless historic paintings and artifacts at the Hearst Castle, overlooking the ocean. To her surprise, she discovers that Seth, an old flame, has also relocated to the very same small town! Every time she turns around, she seems to be bumping into him. On top of all this, her ex-husband, recently released from prison, shows up, claiming to have turned over a new leaf and found faith in God, and hoping to restore their family!
Suz struggles with confusion over what God's will for her is: should she make an effort to let her ex, Len, back into her life? Can he really be trusted now? How should she resolve her relationship with Seth...the awkwardness over their split, all that's happened to them both in the intervening years?
I loved the setting and really enjoyed the characters Ms. Carobini created. They were well-developed and very realistic and relatable. In fact, I'm curious now to read A Shore Thing, in which the story of Gage, Suz's brother, and his fiance Callie, is told, because I feel like I "know" them. That said, the book just didn't draw me in like I'd hoped it would. The writing wasn't compelling, and the story itself didn't captivate me, despite how much I appreciated the premise, setting, and characters. The plot was just a bit thin in my opinion.
So, in the end, I'll say that I wouldn't call this an outstanding, captivating read, but it was still a pleasant and entertaining one. If you're looking for a moving, compelling, meaningful story, this may not be it. But, if you're looking for a pleasant diversion or relaxing read, you'll enjoy the beach town setting and likable characters in Fade to Blue. In fact, I just might try to get my hands on a couple of the other Otter Bay titles. They'll make a good light summer read for the pool or beach and I'd enjoy catching up on the stories of some of the rest of the residents of Otter Bay.
Thanks so much to Julie Gwinn at B&H Publishing for the preview copy of this book! All opinions expressed are my own.
Read more: http://homewithpurpose.blogspot.com/2011...
Under Creative Commons License: Attribution
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May 25, 2011This is my second book review using the new ebook format through Netgalley. I shared the previous one "Anchor for my Soul". Since reviewing that book, I've ironed out all the technical difficulties. The reading and reviewing of this electronic formated book was without incident, I am happy to report
Fade to Blue - about the book from the Publisher B & H Publishing.
How is a soul restored? One stroke of the brush at a time.
Suz Mitchell is the determined dreamer we should all be and won't allow her ex-husband Len's jail sentence to ruin their young son Jeremiah's life. An accomplished artist, she moves with her child across the country to California's central coast and lands a sweet job restoring priceless paintings at the historic Hearst Castle overlooking the ocean.
To her utter surprise, a serious old flame, Seth, is also now working at Hearst and jumbles the dreams inside Suz's heart. While sorting out the awkwardness of their past split and current spiritual differences, a repentent Len shows up eager to restore his family.
Suz must learn to let God be the true restorer of all that once seemed lost.
The author, Julie Carobini - Julie Carobini writes seaside novels filled with faith, flip flops, and waves of grace. Other books in her acclaimed Otter Bay series include Sweet Waters and A Shore Thing. She has also written articles for Decision and Focus on the Family magazines and received awards from the National League of Pen Women. Julie and her husband Dan have three children and live on California’s central coast. You can visit Julie at www.juliecarobini.com
I loved the cover of the Fade to Blue, even though I didn't hold the physical book in my hands. It has such a beautiful cover that it makes you want to read the book. You won't be disappointed. After devouring the book, my first thought was I have to read more by this author. Julie has such a way with words that you actually feel apart of the story. She touches on aspects of life that we've all struggled with and can relate too. From the first word you'll be hooked. Each and every time I picked up where I left off I couldn't wait to finish the story.
Fade to Blue is a story about letting go. How in life we are meant to let go and move on, but not only that about healing. There we aspects of the story that I felt the author added to make the story realistic, but they still upset me and I wasn't sure how I would react in similar circumstances. Julie blends romance with the seriousness of the issue faced by the main character in the novel to satisfy a wide reading audience.
Fade to Blue is a great summer read. For those days you are at the beach or just relaxing at home. I promise you won't be disappointed.
Until Next Time,
M
Fade to Blue - about the book from the Publisher B & H Publishing.
How is a soul restored? One stroke of the brush at a time.
Suz Mitchell is the determined dreamer we should all be and won't allow her ex-husband Len's jail sentence to ruin their young son Jeremiah's life. An accomplished artist, she moves with her child across the country to California's central coast and lands a sweet job restoring priceless paintings at the historic Hearst Castle overlooking the ocean.
To her utter surprise, a serious old flame, Seth, is also now working at Hearst and jumbles the dreams inside Suz's heart. While sorting out the awkwardness of their past split and current spiritual differences, a repentent Len shows up eager to restore his family.
Suz must learn to let God be the true restorer of all that once seemed lost.
The author, Julie Carobini - Julie Carobini writes seaside novels filled with faith, flip flops, and waves of grace. Other books in her acclaimed Otter Bay series include Sweet Waters and A Shore Thing. She has also written articles for Decision and Focus on the Family magazines and received awards from the National League of Pen Women. Julie and her husband Dan have three children and live on California’s central coast. You can visit Julie at www.juliecarobini.com
I loved the cover of the Fade to Blue, even though I didn't hold the physical book in my hands. It has such a beautiful cover that it makes you want to read the book. You won't be disappointed. After devouring the book, my first thought was I have to read more by this author. Julie has such a way with words that you actually feel apart of the story. She touches on aspects of life that we've all struggled with and can relate too. From the first word you'll be hooked. Each and every time I picked up where I left off I couldn't wait to finish the story.
Fade to Blue is a story about letting go. How in life we are meant to let go and move on, but not only that about healing. There we aspects of the story that I felt the author added to make the story realistic, but they still upset me and I wasn't sure how I would react in similar circumstances. Julie blends romance with the seriousness of the issue faced by the main character in the novel to satisfy a wide reading audience.
Fade to Blue is a great summer read. For those days you are at the beach or just relaxing at home. I promise you won't be disappointed.
Until Next Time,
M
June 13, 2011
Hi all, today I have a book review of Fade To Blue along with an interview with the author, Julie Carobini. I have never read nay books by this author and it was a new one for me. I was pretty impressed and thought it was a very interesting book:)
Like I said above, I had never before read a book by Julie. I have seen her books here and there but just never found the time to pick one up and read it. I wish I had! This book, Fade To Blue, is part of the Otter Bay series. So I will be finding the other books. I believe a couple of the characters in this book, Gage and Callie, were in the previous one as well, as it alluded to their story a couple times. I do want to say there was one saying I did not care for. At one point Letty, her dear co-worker, makes a statement about the Man upstairs and his mother Mary and all the Saints. I didn't really care for this statement. This is the only thing in the book I did not care for but I wanted to mention it.
My favorite character throughout this whole book was Seth. He has been through quite a lot and is still going through a tough time. Suz was an interesting person. She is tough and yet gentle at the same time. She has quite a time of choices and the future they will include. All the characters seem to be having some troubles, other than little Jeremiah:) He is quite a cutie!! At four years old he has a funny sense of humor and was very adorable. Letty was an added character. She has a tough exterior and then you find out that underneath she is such a sweetheart.
One of my favorite parts was when Fred is in a predicament and his wife appears. They are hysterical together! The comments and the running dialogue is quite funny. Very sweet couple and then you find out they have a past as well. The characters in this book just pull you in. They have you cheering for them in the good times and mourning for in the bad. A nice addition was Holly. I am not sure if she was in the previous book or not but it would be nice to have a book about her. One thing that Julie mentioned above was the Anemones. I really found this aspect quite fascinating and had to do a little research on them my own:) As you can see from the picture I found, they are unique and very beautiful in their own way.
Overall I loved this book. It was a nice change from the normal everyday plots. Great characters and a wonderful style of writing will keep you enthralled in the pages of this book!
I received a copy of this book for review purposes. I did not receive any monetary compensation and all thoughts are 100% mine.
Like I said above, I had never before read a book by Julie. I have seen her books here and there but just never found the time to pick one up and read it. I wish I had! This book, Fade To Blue, is part of the Otter Bay series. So I will be finding the other books. I believe a couple of the characters in this book, Gage and Callie, were in the previous one as well, as it alluded to their story a couple times. I do want to say there was one saying I did not care for. At one point Letty, her dear co-worker, makes a statement about the Man upstairs and his mother Mary and all the Saints. I didn't really care for this statement. This is the only thing in the book I did not care for but I wanted to mention it.
My favorite character throughout this whole book was Seth. He has been through quite a lot and is still going through a tough time. Suz was an interesting person. She is tough and yet gentle at the same time. She has quite a time of choices and the future they will include. All the characters seem to be having some troubles, other than little Jeremiah:) He is quite a cutie!! At four years old he has a funny sense of humor and was very adorable. Letty was an added character. She has a tough exterior and then you find out that underneath she is such a sweetheart.
One of my favorite parts was when Fred is in a predicament and his wife appears. They are hysterical together! The comments and the running dialogue is quite funny. Very sweet couple and then you find out they have a past as well. The characters in this book just pull you in. They have you cheering for them in the good times and mourning for in the bad. A nice addition was Holly. I am not sure if she was in the previous book or not but it would be nice to have a book about her. One thing that Julie mentioned above was the Anemones. I really found this aspect quite fascinating and had to do a little research on them my own:) As you can see from the picture I found, they are unique and very beautiful in their own way.
Overall I loved this book. It was a nice change from the normal everyday plots. Great characters and a wonderful style of writing will keep you enthralled in the pages of this book!
I received a copy of this book for review purposes. I did not receive any monetary compensation and all thoughts are 100% mine.
May 31, 2011
Fade To Blue is Julie Carobini’s third title in her Otter Bay Series and continues with the light-hearted romance we’ve come to expect from this author.
The “beach” theme that Julie incorporates into this series makes the readers feel like they are right there with the waves, the sand and the seagulls. When you open her books you can almost feel the cool ocean breezes.
In this book, Suz Mitchell is a divorced mom who is trying to start over and raise her young son away from his father who is in prison. Her brother Gage has graciously taken her in and Suz is determined to get back on her feet and make a new life for herself and young Jeremiah.
Just as life is starting to feel peaceful again and Suz is finding her place amidst the beautiful California coast, she runs into an old flame who is working at the historical Hearst Castle. Seeing her first love Seth Russo unnerves Suz and stirs up old emotions both good and bad. Her decision to break off her relationship with Seth and marry another man was a bad one and Suz finds herself wishing she could go back in time.
And just as she’s caught off guard by meeting up with Seth, the drama goes up another notch when Suz receives a letter from her ex-husband Len, who wants to reconnect with her and Jeremiah when he’s released on parole. He claims he’s a changed man and wants a second chance. Suz is a mass of confused, swirling emotions and has no idea what she should do. She feels conflicted as a Christian and has to figure out what it means to walk in love and yet guard her heart. Len has lied to her so many times before yet for the sake of their son, Suz wonders if he deserves a second chance. With Fade To Blue, Julie Carobini offers up another heartwarming summer time read, perfect for vacation when you want to escape and soak up the sun.
The “beach” theme that Julie incorporates into this series makes the readers feel like they are right there with the waves, the sand and the seagulls. When you open her books you can almost feel the cool ocean breezes.
In this book, Suz Mitchell is a divorced mom who is trying to start over and raise her young son away from his father who is in prison. Her brother Gage has graciously taken her in and Suz is determined to get back on her feet and make a new life for herself and young Jeremiah.
Just as life is starting to feel peaceful again and Suz is finding her place amidst the beautiful California coast, she runs into an old flame who is working at the historical Hearst Castle. Seeing her first love Seth Russo unnerves Suz and stirs up old emotions both good and bad. Her decision to break off her relationship with Seth and marry another man was a bad one and Suz finds herself wishing she could go back in time.
And just as she’s caught off guard by meeting up with Seth, the drama goes up another notch when Suz receives a letter from her ex-husband Len, who wants to reconnect with her and Jeremiah when he’s released on parole. He claims he’s a changed man and wants a second chance. Suz is a mass of confused, swirling emotions and has no idea what she should do. She feels conflicted as a Christian and has to figure out what it means to walk in love and yet guard her heart. Len has lied to her so many times before yet for the sake of their son, Suz wonders if he deserves a second chance. With Fade To Blue, Julie Carobini offers up another heartwarming summer time read, perfect for vacation when you want to escape and soak up the sun.
February 7, 2011
Welcome back to Otter Bay! This is the 3rd book in the Otter Bay series. I have read A Shore Thing but haven’t read Sweet Waters yet. In Fade To Blue we read about Suzanne’s story. She is Gage’s(from A Shore Thing) sister who came with her son Jeremiah to live with him after her husband was sent to jail and divorced her.
Suz is working for a company that restores art. She is learning how to do the tedious job of restoring a piece of art to its original beauty. She finds out quickly though that this isn’t her passion. She loves to paint murals.
Suz’s world is set on end when she runs into an old flame. Seth was her boyfriend when she decided to marry Len her ex husband. It’s a small world when she starts running into Seth everywhere she goes. He has bought a window washing company and they seem to be working on the same places. Seth is bitter about their old relationship.
When Len is set to be paroled he writes Suz a letter letting her know that he is a changed man and he wants to be involved with Jeremiah’s life. Suz is confused about her feelings for Seth and her desire to give Len a chance to prove his new life.
Throughout all of Suz’s struggles, her brother and his fiance’ Callie are there to support her and offer advice and love. Also her friend Letty whom she works with. I’m hoping that there is another installment to the Otter Bay series and that it will be Letty’s story.
I enjoyed Fade To Blue. I did get a bit frustrated with Suz lack of seeing the true colors of her ex husband. I think that she should have been more searching into the truth of her ex’s conversion. For the most part I am becoming attached to the characters that make up Otter Bay.
Suz is working for a company that restores art. She is learning how to do the tedious job of restoring a piece of art to its original beauty. She finds out quickly though that this isn’t her passion. She loves to paint murals.
Suz’s world is set on end when she runs into an old flame. Seth was her boyfriend when she decided to marry Len her ex husband. It’s a small world when she starts running into Seth everywhere she goes. He has bought a window washing company and they seem to be working on the same places. Seth is bitter about their old relationship.
When Len is set to be paroled he writes Suz a letter letting her know that he is a changed man and he wants to be involved with Jeremiah’s life. Suz is confused about her feelings for Seth and her desire to give Len a chance to prove his new life.
Throughout all of Suz’s struggles, her brother and his fiance’ Callie are there to support her and offer advice and love. Also her friend Letty whom she works with. I’m hoping that there is another installment to the Otter Bay series and that it will be Letty’s story.
I enjoyed Fade To Blue. I did get a bit frustrated with Suz lack of seeing the true colors of her ex husband. I think that she should have been more searching into the truth of her ex’s conversion. For the most part I am becoming attached to the characters that make up Otter Bay.
August 29, 2012
Title: FADE TO BLUE
Author: Julie Carobini
Publisher: Broadman & Holman
May 2011
ISBN: 978-0-8054-4874-0
Genre: romance
Suz Mitchell is an artist, a divorced mother, and looking to make a fresh start. She moves in with her brother in Otter Bay, California, and surprisingly one of the first people she sees is her exboyfriend, Seth. They run into each other three times in as many days, but Suz sees he’s dating a friend of hers, so she isn’t sure what to think.
Even more confusing, Suz’s ex-husband is up for parole, and he wants to reunite. He swears he’s a changed man and has accepted Christ. Suz’s brother and friends tell her to tell him to get lost, but Suz believes in second and third chances, and that her young son needs a father.
Will Suz return to her husband—and is he really what he seems? Or will she give an old flame a chance?
FADE TO BLUE is the third book in her Otter Bay series, but it easily stands alone. Readers will want to read Sweet Waters and A Shore Thing to bring themselves up to speed with some of the other characters. I enjoyed getting to know Suz, though I didn’t approve of some of her choices and actions. And Seth was a brooding man’s man, the strong and silent type. Len (the ex-husband) seemed too smooth and full of promises, and I didn’t trust him. I hoped Suz would make the right choice for herself and her son.
If you like reading contemporary romance, don’t miss FADE TO BLUE—though it is written in first person. It is a sweet romance set on the shore that is perfect for a summer time read—or an anytime read. If you’re going camping for Labor Day weekend, be sure to pack this book to take along. $9.99. 400 pages.
Author: Julie Carobini
Publisher: Broadman & Holman
May 2011
ISBN: 978-0-8054-4874-0
Genre: romance
Suz Mitchell is an artist, a divorced mother, and looking to make a fresh start. She moves in with her brother in Otter Bay, California, and surprisingly one of the first people she sees is her exboyfriend, Seth. They run into each other three times in as many days, but Suz sees he’s dating a friend of hers, so she isn’t sure what to think.
Even more confusing, Suz’s ex-husband is up for parole, and he wants to reunite. He swears he’s a changed man and has accepted Christ. Suz’s brother and friends tell her to tell him to get lost, but Suz believes in second and third chances, and that her young son needs a father.
Will Suz return to her husband—and is he really what he seems? Or will she give an old flame a chance?
FADE TO BLUE is the third book in her Otter Bay series, but it easily stands alone. Readers will want to read Sweet Waters and A Shore Thing to bring themselves up to speed with some of the other characters. I enjoyed getting to know Suz, though I didn’t approve of some of her choices and actions. And Seth was a brooding man’s man, the strong and silent type. Len (the ex-husband) seemed too smooth and full of promises, and I didn’t trust him. I hoped Suz would make the right choice for herself and her son.
If you like reading contemporary romance, don’t miss FADE TO BLUE—though it is written in first person. It is a sweet romance set on the shore that is perfect for a summer time read—or an anytime read. If you’re going camping for Labor Day weekend, be sure to pack this book to take along. $9.99. 400 pages.
May 31, 2011
Julie will be on my blog tomorrow with a giveaway...tune in to http:/duhpaynes.blogspot.com to have an opportunity to win a copy. This is a great book so far!! Very character driven, beautiful depictions of the ocean and beach in California :-)
My Review:
This was my first book by Julie that I've read and I thoroughly enjoyed it! It's a relaxed read full of stunning coastal details. I could just picture those sea anemone when Suz was at the beach. I loved how she road out on her bike each morning for exercise, but getting that much needed quiet time to contemplate all of life's twists and turns. She's a strong character who has suffered many losses in her life and the way Julie depicts her enduring faith is quite real. Her former beau, Seth, mysteriously starts appearing every where she goes and she doesn't quite know what to think of that. He's not the same impulsive young man he once was since he's dealing with his own ghosts of the past. His faith has been shaken and he doesn't know how to deal with the anger and grief. During his quiet and contemplative moments you just want to reach out and give him a hug, telling him Who to lean on. Julie does an excellent job of weaving contemporary issues into an intricate story of love, loss and restoration.
Thank you, Julie and B&H Publishing for providing me with an ARC! I was under no obligation to write a positive review. It is my honest opinion.
My Review:
This was my first book by Julie that I've read and I thoroughly enjoyed it! It's a relaxed read full of stunning coastal details. I could just picture those sea anemone when Suz was at the beach. I loved how she road out on her bike each morning for exercise, but getting that much needed quiet time to contemplate all of life's twists and turns. She's a strong character who has suffered many losses in her life and the way Julie depicts her enduring faith is quite real. Her former beau, Seth, mysteriously starts appearing every where she goes and she doesn't quite know what to think of that. He's not the same impulsive young man he once was since he's dealing with his own ghosts of the past. His faith has been shaken and he doesn't know how to deal with the anger and grief. During his quiet and contemplative moments you just want to reach out and give him a hug, telling him Who to lean on. Julie does an excellent job of weaving contemporary issues into an intricate story of love, loss and restoration.
Thank you, Julie and B&H Publishing for providing me with an ARC! I was under no obligation to write a positive review. It is my honest opinion.
May 12, 2011
Reading “Fade to Blue” was like slipping into a comfortable setting with characters that quickly become your friends.
There is an ease to the story and the characters that walk across the pages are fully dimensional. But I loved how, while the book is easy to slip into and hard to leave, there is an underlying depth. A depth of character growth, plot dimension, and a cast of secondary characters that don’t lack personality.
Often my biggest struggle with first-person contemporaries is the lack of the story really going anywhere. There are often “blocks” of writing that lulls, but I didn’t have that problem with “Fade to Blue”. There is continual forward motion in the course of the story – plot change, character development or a physical change in the characters and I really appreciated that about the reading – it never lacked my attention.
The characters are well defined, Suz, Seth, Lettie, Len, they all had their own personal struggles, adding layers of plot structure, making the novel a continually interesting read. (Oh and the ending…great story elements, take my word for it, it’s a GREAT ending!)
I thoroughly enjoyed my first trek into Otter Bay and look forward to going back again.
This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to the publisher through CFBA for my copy to review.
There is an ease to the story and the characters that walk across the pages are fully dimensional. But I loved how, while the book is easy to slip into and hard to leave, there is an underlying depth. A depth of character growth, plot dimension, and a cast of secondary characters that don’t lack personality.
Often my biggest struggle with first-person contemporaries is the lack of the story really going anywhere. There are often “blocks” of writing that lulls, but I didn’t have that problem with “Fade to Blue”. There is continual forward motion in the course of the story – plot change, character development or a physical change in the characters and I really appreciated that about the reading – it never lacked my attention.
The characters are well defined, Suz, Seth, Lettie, Len, they all had their own personal struggles, adding layers of plot structure, making the novel a continually interesting read. (Oh and the ending…great story elements, take my word for it, it’s a GREAT ending!)
I thoroughly enjoyed my first trek into Otter Bay and look forward to going back again.
This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to the publisher through CFBA for my copy to review.
August 11, 2011
Single mom Suz Mitchell is an artist who most loves painting full wall murals–preferably of ocean life–but there’s not much money to be made in that career in the small town of Otter Bay. She takes a job aiding in the restoration of the nearby famous Hearst Castle, though she finds the work tedious.
It’s worth it, though, to build a future for her and her young son, Jeremiah, but two unexpected men show up in her life. One is her ex-con ex-husband who claims to have turned over a new leaf. The other is Suz’s old boyfriend, whom she hasn’t seen since she last chose between the two men years before. Shouldn’t she give Jeremiah’s father a chance to prove himself a good dad, even though she has no intention of allowing him back into her own life romantically? And what about Seth? It looks to him that Suz has made all the wrong choices. Is there any chance for her to find love again?
Fade to Blue is told entirely in Suz’s first person point-of-view and gives a deep look at issues involved in divorce and single parenting. For all the less-than-fluffy material, this book is refreshing and genuinely sensitive. Recommended.
It’s worth it, though, to build a future for her and her young son, Jeremiah, but two unexpected men show up in her life. One is her ex-con ex-husband who claims to have turned over a new leaf. The other is Suz’s old boyfriend, whom she hasn’t seen since she last chose between the two men years before. Shouldn’t she give Jeremiah’s father a chance to prove himself a good dad, even though she has no intention of allowing him back into her own life romantically? And what about Seth? It looks to him that Suz has made all the wrong choices. Is there any chance for her to find love again?
Fade to Blue is told entirely in Suz’s first person point-of-view and gives a deep look at issues involved in divorce and single parenting. For all the less-than-fluffy material, this book is refreshing and genuinely sensitive. Recommended.
May 29, 2011
Suz is an artist who finds herself restoring an old door from the Hearst castle. She recently relocated to Otter Bay to get away from her former life. She has to do what is best for her and her son, Jeremiah. Lynn's sentence is about up and she doesn't want him near their son.
Suz is busy at work when she sees the handsome window washer. Wait, could it be? No, it's not him! What would he be doing all the way out here? Well, it is him. Seth, a former flame is the window washer. Was he following her? What would she say to them? Their last meeting was a bit difficult. She did leave him to marry Lynn after all.
Whatever will Suz do? She's living with her brother (he's so kind to take them in) and doing what she can to make a better life for her and Jeremiah. What will happen after she receives a mysterious letter one day?
I enjoyed this book! It's a great read full of romance, adventure, with a little suspense stirred together. I want to read the first two books in this series now!
Suz is busy at work when she sees the handsome window washer. Wait, could it be? No, it's not him! What would he be doing all the way out here? Well, it is him. Seth, a former flame is the window washer. Was he following her? What would she say to them? Their last meeting was a bit difficult. She did leave him to marry Lynn after all.
Whatever will Suz do? She's living with her brother (he's so kind to take them in) and doing what she can to make a better life for her and Jeremiah. What will happen after she receives a mysterious letter one day?
I enjoyed this book! It's a great read full of romance, adventure, with a little suspense stirred together. I want to read the first two books in this series now!
October 25, 2011
Fade to Blue, by Julie Carobini, is a wonderful story about second chances. A second chance to make things right. A second chance to find your heart's desire. A second chance to find beauty in rubbish.
Suz Mitchell and her young son move cross country for a new start. Except her past seems to have followed her. Suz gets a job restoring art at the famous Hearst Castle on California's central coast. She soon runs into Seth, her first love from back home. Then she hears from her ex-husband who is eager for his own second chance with his family.
Suz's dilemma about which second chance is from God and which is an illusion is real and nicely handled. Just like Suz, all of us have been conflicted about a decision. Suz's emotions and feelings are very real and believable.
Julie Carobini does a great job bringing Suz, her son Jeremiah, Seth, and the other characters of Fade to Blue come to life. I loved the insider's look at Hearst Castle, a place I've visited.
I loved this book and highly recommend it.
Suz Mitchell and her young son move cross country for a new start. Except her past seems to have followed her. Suz gets a job restoring art at the famous Hearst Castle on California's central coast. She soon runs into Seth, her first love from back home. Then she hears from her ex-husband who is eager for his own second chance with his family.
Suz's dilemma about which second chance is from God and which is an illusion is real and nicely handled. Just like Suz, all of us have been conflicted about a decision. Suz's emotions and feelings are very real and believable.
Julie Carobini does a great job bringing Suz, her son Jeremiah, Seth, and the other characters of Fade to Blue come to life. I loved the insider's look at Hearst Castle, a place I've visited.
I loved this book and highly recommend it.
February 21, 2013
This is another book in the Otter Bay series by Julie Carobini that captures the reader from the start. Suzanna (known as Suz) Mitchell and her son Jeremiah have already moved across the country and are living with her brother Gage to rebuild their lives in Otter Bay.
Suz’s life is beginning to turn for the better when she gets a job restoring priceless art at the famous Hearst Castle. Then she runs in to her first love Zeth from so many years ago. Why is he out here? Things get more complicated when her ex-husband, Len, Jer’s father, just out of prison shows up. It is time for Suz’s to rely on her faith- something that she has let slip for a while. Both men have motives. Will Suz allow her faith to make the right decision? And what will that be?
Turn off the phone, make a large cup of coffee, curl up in your favorite reading spot and get ready for a fantastic journey. Only Julie Carobini can pull you in so far that you can’t put the book down.
Suz’s life is beginning to turn for the better when she gets a job restoring priceless art at the famous Hearst Castle. Then she runs in to her first love Zeth from so many years ago. Why is he out here? Things get more complicated when her ex-husband, Len, Jer’s father, just out of prison shows up. It is time for Suz’s to rely on her faith- something that she has let slip for a while. Both men have motives. Will Suz allow her faith to make the right decision? And what will that be?
Turn off the phone, make a large cup of coffee, curl up in your favorite reading spot and get ready for a fantastic journey. Only Julie Carobini can pull you in so far that you can’t put the book down.
May 19, 2011
Julie Carobini is the queen of the summer romance - she writes the perfect books to read while laying out under the sun soaking up the rays. "Fade To Blue" is a fun book with a familiar setting in Otter Bay, California. As we revisit some old friends and meet some new ones I loved getting reacquainted with the fun world that Julie has created in Otter Bay. She doesn't let me down with this book and leads me on an adventure with Suz and Seth as they meet up with each other after 5 years apart. I wasn't sure how things would turn out and I enjoyed the lead up to the ending. What a great beach read!
February 10, 2012
This is a great story about forgiveness, faith, love, family, and starting over. Through the support of her brother and his fiancee, Suz learned that she, indeed, was not God. That it was not her job to "fix" her ex. I love how poignant the author puts this: "Although he might never find true salvation--although I vowed to pray otherwise, and in the end, it was up to God." p. 376
September 27, 2016
I just couldn't finish this one. I tried. The writing style was the issue. The storyline is awesome, the setting, a castle in a California beach town is a fantasy come true, but the writing is so choppy and characters so one dimensional it ruined everything else for me. At 76% finished and with so many books on my to read list it was time to put it in the DNF pile.
September 24, 2011
I really liked this book, but im not sure i liked it as much as i liked the other 2.. I am glad that Suz finally is happy (with Seth) and finally could be rid of her ex (len) after all the stuff he has put them through. I hope she continues on with the series.
June 25, 2011
Loved the peaks into Hearst Castle and the ex-husband on parole angle. It was a good read, but predictable. And that's just fine, sometimes I like screaming don't open the door, go outside etc. Makes me feel smart.
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October 27, 2021I love all my babies, but my heart broke some while writing this one. I've received emails from readers saying that this story can help heal hurting hearts. I praise God for that.
December 28, 2011
Love this Author and her stories.
June 19, 2013
An okay read that was paced okay and I liked the personas of the characters and that they were all unique and different from the norm romance novels. Definitely a beach read.
June 20, 2015
Great story about new beginnings and finding God again. Quick and easy read.
January 9, 2016
I really liked this book. The story line was very realistic. The ending especially well written.
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